Singer/songwriter John Clinebell largely composed the songs on Stomping Grounds while cruising around Los Angeles at night. Seeking inspiration in the relative peace of dark urban landscapes, as well as the privacy to sing at the top of his lungs, John found the perfect environment to craft what he deems a driving, thoughtful and organic road trip soundtrack.
Stomping Grounds precisely attacks matters of love and loss with equal parts gravity and hope. While John's admiration of light pop-rockers John Mayer, David Gray, Paolo Nutini comes across clearly through his powerful vocal presence, the intriguing production choices (spearheaded by John Wolf, of Math & Science) and lyrical weight of this album lead the listener towards the darker territories of indie artists Joseph Arthur, M. Ward, Morphine, and Elliott Smith.
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